U.S. forces carried out a lethal kinetic strike Thursday on a vessel allegedly operated by a designated terrorist organization, killing two suspected narco-terrorists.
U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) said intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.
Thursday’s strike marked the second U.S. strike this year. A previous strike also killed two suspected narco-terrorists and left one survivor, according to officials.
U.S. Southern Command is responsible for military operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean, including counter-narcotics missions focused on disrupting drug trafficking networks that threaten U.S. interests.
The strike was carried out at the direction of U.S. Southern Command Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, who assumed command Thursday.
Donovan was sworn in during a ceremony at the Pentagon, succeeding acting commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus.
“Together with our partner nations, we will continue to address shared challenges, uphold democratic values, and ensure a safe and prosperous future for the region,” Donovan said in a statement.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
